Cape Town · Day trips

Cape Winelands Tour

Three historic towns, two or three estates, one of the world's great wine regions — an hour from Cape Town.

Distance
50 km

1 hour drive

Duration
Full day

8–9 hrs

Best time

Year-round harvest Feb–Apr

Pace
Relaxed long lunch

South Africa's wine country sits an hour east of Cape Town, in three historic towns — Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Paarl — surrounded by more than 250 wine estates.

Each town has its own character, and the route we choose depends on what you love. We visit two or three estates, taste reds and whites that hold their own against anything in Europe, and stop somewhere good for a long lunch. Tasting fees are usually modest and often include cheese or chocolate pairings.

THREE TOWNS, THREE PERSONALITIES
Where we'll take you

Founded 1679

Stellenbosch

The town of Stellenbosch, founded in 1679 by Simon van der Stel, is undoubtedly the heart of the Winelands. Home to Stellenbosch University — South Africa's top-ranked — which gives the town a youthful, café-and-gallery rhythm alongside its centuries-old wine tradition. 

There is an abundance of cafes, galleries, and charming shops. A visit to the Village Museum is worth it, giving you an idea of how life used to be here.

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Estates we recommend:
Tokara, Delaire Graff, Simonsig, Thelema, Jordan, Neethlingshof, Blaauwklippen

Founded 17th c.

Franschhoek

The culinary capital of South Africa. French Huguenots fleeing religious persecution settled here in the 1680s and brought their cooking with them. Today the town has more top-rated restaurants per square kilometre than anywhere else in the country, and the wine matches the food.

We definitely recommend visiting some of the many restaurants that are considered the best in the entire country.

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Estates we recommend:
Haute Cabriere, Le Lude, Mont Rochelle, La Motte, Boschendal, Chamonix

Founded 1657

Paarl

The town of Paarl is located in a fertile valley where, in addition to wine, olives, oranges, and corn are cultivated. The town's landmark is Pearl Mountain, after which the town was named. Near this town, founded in 1657, is a prison from which Nelson Mandela was released in 1990. 

Worth visiting here is the Taal monument, a significant Afrikaans pilgrimage site located at the foot of Pearl Mountain. The monument is dedicated to Afrikaans, a language spoken by almost 15% of South Africa's population.

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Estates we recommend:
Spice Route, Fairview, Laborie, Backsberg

GOOD TO KNOW
Before you go

  • The Winelands are a year-round destination — but harvest season (February to April) is especially atmospheric, with crushing under way and new vintages coming through
  • Tasting fees vary by estate (typically R100–R300, often refundable against a bottle purchase)
  • Most estates pair tastings with cheese, chocolate, or charcuterie — let us know if you'd like to plan around lunch
  • You can ship wine home — most estates can arrange international shipping or pack for travel
  • Your guide is your designated driver — taste freely
  • Comfortable shoes — most cellar visits include a short walk through the estate
  • The itinerary is built around your preferences — tell us what you love (or don't), and we'll pick the right estates
  • Door-to-door transport from your hotel and Czech-speaking guide included

Did you know?

The Dutch colonial heritage is evident at every turn, and as you drive through this stunning and diverse landscape, you will come across hundreds of vineyards, from those that have managed to retain their original character, to the ultra-modern ones, from the smallest that will impress you with their intimate atmosphere, to those adapted for mass tourism.

During the trip, we will visit two to three different vineyards where you can taste local red and white wines for a reasonable fee, which are considered to be among the best in the world. The offer is often complemented by local production of cheeses and chocolates.

In the Winelands region, there are more than 250 different vineyards. We tailor the selection of vineyards to the personal requirements and preferences of our clients. Of course, we will assist you with the selection.


READY WHEN YOU ARE
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